Trio accused of kidnapping & extorting gay men in CT back in court
The men are accused of luring gay men under false pretences on dating app Grindr.
Suspects of the 'Grindr Gang', an alleged kidnapping syndicate targeting gay men. Picture: Ntuthuzelo Nene/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Three men accused of kidnapping and extorting gay men in Cape Town are back at the Cape Town Magistrates court on Friday.
Their case was postponed in April so that the State could wrap up its investigation.
The men are accused of luring gay men under false pretences on dating app Grindr.
Mlungisi Mbutu, Bongani Zulu, and Zwelakhe Ngwenya have been in prison for at least a year, following their arrest in June 2024.
They were linked to the kidnapping of a 50-year-old man in Woodstock.
The trio from Soweto in Gauteng is suspected of being involved in a string of robberies involving gay men on Grindr.
It’s alleged that they would lure unsuspecting victims, kidnap them, then extort money from them or their families for their release.
On Friday, we'll hear if the State will be adding money laundering charges, on top of the kidnapping and extortion charges they face.